Diablotin 2 session 4

[Narrator] Two days have passed since the theft of the necklace. Today, early in the morning, the four candidates went into seclusion, following a highly visible and well-attended procession through the city. Although there were fears of further violence, the guards were out in force, and nothing more than occasional yells were exchanged. [Narrator] Altheo, your mentor Ser Julian wishes to speak with you.

• NPC1 is now known as Ser_Julian
• Altheo will head over to him right away.
• Altheo will be a bit careful about his route, so its not so obviouse

[Ser_Julian] Altheo, good day. [Altheo] Good day.

• Altheo isn't quite sure why he was needed.

[Ser_Julian] I've brought the matter of this necklace to the attention of the Order, and they agree that it's a matter of concern. They want to see it investigated. [Altheo] (Do I know its been stolen yet?) [Ser_Julian] Knowing your situation as I do, I suggested you would be ideally placed to pay a visit to the young lady who sold it. There was some grumbling from the Knights' Council, but in the end they agreed that, as someone who was involved in this from an early stage, and who regularly moves in such... circles, you were best-qualified among us. [Narrator] If you've been to the Antiquarian Society in the past couple of days, or talked to any of its members, then yes, you would know. [Altheo] (ok, then I would)

• Altheo nods.

[Altheo] Its true. Do you think they may have stolen it back? [Ser_Julian] It's possible. Given the criminal overtones to all of this, it may even be likely.

• Altheo nods.

[Altheo] I was thinking that as well. Its a great scam really. [Ser_Julian] Be careful, though - please, if you can, take someone with you, just in case.

• Altheo nods.

[Altheo] My first instinct is to take someone from the boar... but maybe someone from the society might be better. Less obviously a threat. [Ser_Julian] It's your choice. [Ser_Julian] If you can determine that they do have it, you don't need to try and retrieve it on your own, unless you think the situation warrants immediate action.

• Altheo nods.

[Altheo] I am pleased to be able to serve the order in this.

• Altheo says with a smile.

[Ser_Julian] Well, it might actually help your case, in addition to serving the Order ;) [Altheo] I suppose it would.

• Altheo says as a joke.

[Altheo] I'll stop by the society first, and see who's willing. Then I may head to the Boar and bring some back up. [Ser_Julian] All right - may the gods go with you. [Altheo] And with you ser.

• Altheo will bow and take his leave.

[Narrator] All right, so you're going to the Society? [Altheo] Yes. [Narrator] All right - Seth is there when you arrive. [Altheo] (perfect)

• Altheo smiles at his good fortune and will head up to the gentleman.
• Seth is leafing through a book, and looks up as you approach.

[Altheo] (Does Seth look like he could handle himself if things got rough?) [Seth] (he's wiry ... not too muscular though. But yeah, more or less, he can handle himself.) [Seth] Ah, hello, M. Renaud. [Altheo] Hello there. [Altheo] I was thinking of looking into the theft a bit.

• Altheo says, casually.

[Altheo] Its not often that one of our finds go missing so quickly. [Seth] I see ... [Seth] They do have guards looking into it, though, don't they? [Altheo] This is true. [Altheo] But I know the guards that opperate in Mrs. De Quincy's area, and I"m not sure we should leave the matter entirely in their hands. [Seth] Well ... perhaps not. [Seth] (have I learned anything from my investigations of the Bonemire?) [Narrator] You know where it is, and that it's between twelve hundred and thirteen hundred years old, and the circumstances under which it was abandoned (as described last time). [Seth] If it is not too presumptuous ... I might be of some assistance in your efforts. [Altheo] I was hoping you might offer actually. [Altheo] I'm not quite sure how many people it would be prudent to bring, but I certainly can't go alone.

• Seth smiles.

[Seth] Yes ... too many people wandering around would stir up attention. Also ... well, one needs to be able to fit in in a place such as the Bonemire. [Seth] I've been unable to find anything specifically linking the Bonemire to any necklace, or indeed to any unusual supernatural doings. [Narrator] There are stories that the area in general is haunted, but those could well be fostered by criminals in order to keep people away. [Altheo] Do you have any sugestions about who to bring with us? [Altheo] I could ask someone from the Rutting Boar to join us. [Seth] Well, if you feel that is useful, I suppose. But the way I see it, the fewer the better. [Seth] If you would care to have someone nearby with a carriage in case we need to make a hasty exit, that would do, I suppose. [Altheo] Good. [Seth] All right, let's go then.

• Seth will put his books away and gather up his things.

[Altheo] I do believe that Sister Alma travels by carriage. She may be helpful if we need a quick departure. [Seth] Ah ... she is busy, I'm sure, with important matters of state, don't you think? Given the upcoming election? [Altheo] You are probably right. [Altheo] I'll get us a carriage. [Seth] Very well, let's go.

• Altheo nods and will head out.

[Altheo] We'll need to stop by the Boar first to get the carriage and a few of my things. [Seth] All right.

• Altheo heads off and gather his things and get ready, then off to the Bonemire

[Narrator] All right - you get whatever you feel you're going to need. [Narrator] You take the carriage the well-travelled Elystan Walk, which runs roughly parallel to the river and passes through Rhenea, the Castalia, and ultimately ends in the Pav, but you must disembark and travel by foot along a narrow, muddy path that winds to the riverbank itself.

• Seth will regale Altheo with tales of the various architectural features as we travel.

[Narrator] You walk carefully along the riverside, in an area that was once no doubt prosperous. That was before the river rose, leaving many of the buildings here on to collapse on their unstable, sodden foundations and sweeping some away entirely.

• Altheo listens intently.

[Narrator] The stench of the river is strong here, all sewage and slime. The Bonemire is easily the strongest-looking structure here, built of stone - its foundations must be sunk deep in the sticky black mud. Its tiled dome is fractured and open to the sky in places, but it still stands tall.

• Altheo is also carying weapons, just for the record.

[Seth] And here, blah blah blah collapse, blah blah structural integrity ... [Narrator] It has long since been stripped of anything of value, no doubt, but the basic structure appears relatively solid. [Narrator] Seth, Given its age, it's almost certainly got extensive catacombs beneath it, which may connect into the Old City's underground tunnels if they're not entirely flooded. There should also be some sort of drainage system to the river, but it may be long since blocked by silt. [Narrator] Ironically, its wet terrain probably spared it from the Great Fire of 2128, which burned large sections of the north bank of the city, especially toward the Shambles.

• Seth will look for a likely entryway.

[Narrator] Are you trying to approach stealthily? If so, I'll need MS/Hide checks. [Seth] (how busy is the area?) [Altheo] [q]I should warn you, I'm not the stealthiest man in this city...) [Narrator] Pretty quiet, and it would be fairly hard to approach under cover - the area around the temple itself is pretty barren. [Altheo] Could we approach from underground? [Seth] I'm looking for an entryway right now. We have to be careful though, not to enter an area that's blocked from the temple. [Narrator] Make a spot check [Altheo] (13) [Seth] (11) [Narrator] You don't see any entryways other than the obvious doors and windows and holes in the ceiling of the temple. [Narrator] You have the feeling that you're being watched, but can't spot anyone. [Narrator] Make listen checks as well, please [Altheo] (22 listen) [Seth] (18) [Narrator] You both hear a low whistle that could be a bird nesting in one of the dead trees on the once-hallowed ground. From above you in the abandoned temple, you also hear a faint click, perhaps a crossbow being drawn.

• Seth tries to find some cover and looks up to see what is going on.
• Altheo moves for cover as well.

[Narrator] There are some dead-ish trees, you could try to hide behind them.

• Seth will do so.
• Altheo as well.

[Altheo] Hmmmm, if they know were here, maybe we should just try a diplomatic solution. [Seth] (what do I see if anything?) [Narrator] Are you trying to hide? If so, Hide checks are in order. [Seth] (13) [Altheo] (21 hide on a natural 20)

• Ser_Julian is now known as Ninon
• Ninon steps out and gives a signal whistle.

[Ninon] How many of you are there? [Seth] [q] It appears we've been spotted.

• Altheo glances at Seth questioningly.
• Seth stands up.

[Seth] Only two.

• Altheo stand as well, and keep an eye out for any more attackers.

[Ninon] Stand down, girls. [Narrator] From inside the temple, about a dozen girls emerge, some perched on windowsills, one clambering out of a hole in the roof to lounge there in the sun. They all look young, some not even fifteen yet. [Narrator] There is also one young man, maybe early 20s, with dirty-blond curls, who leans against the doorframe and watches you suspiciously. He's got a gun, but keeps it pointed to the ground.

• Altheo tries to memorize their faces, just in case.
• Ninon gestures for you to approach.
• Altheo walks gallantly forward.
• Ninon runs a hand through her short red hair and smiles at you.

[Ninon] You here on business, Mr. Renaud? 'Cause I don't have any poor, unfortunate girls for you to rescue.

• Altheo smiles.

[Narrator] Some of the girls laugh at that. [Altheo] Well, I am on business, but not that kind. [Altheo] Could we head someplace and talk perhaps? [Ninon] Where? [Altheo] Anyplace we won't be overheard.

• Ninon shrugs.

[Altheo] (How many of those girls are carying weapons?) [Ninon] We can go inside.

• Altheo smiles and nods

[Altheo] Certainly. [Narrator] Pretty much all of them have daggers, at least, some have crossbows.

• Seth looks uncertainly at the group.
• Ninon gestures to the guy in the doorway to stand aside, which he does, but looks pissed about it.

[Narrator] Inside, the temple is strewn with sleeping mats and assorted debris. [Altheo] How is business these days?

• Altheo asks in a friendly manner.
• Ninon takes you up to where the altar stands, where there are a few mismatched wooden chairs, and gestures that you have a seat.

[Ninon] Good enough. You?

• Seth sits uneasily.

[Altheo] I'm doing very well.

• Altheo sits down.

[Ninon] What brings you here, then? [Altheo] Its actually the business you conducted with Mr. Conquaine [Ninon] Oh? [Ninon] Is there a problem? He wants the money back? [Altheo] No, not at all. But the necklace has gone missing. Stolen from the Antequarian Society soon after he was purchased.

• Ninon looks surprised.

[Ninon] That's... very strange. [Altheo] (SM to see if she is really surprised.) [Narrator] (roll) [Altheo] It was being studied using magic by some of the members of the society. They discovered it had some unusual properties. [Altheo] I was hoping you might be able to tell me a little more about it. [Narrator] (are you going to roll?) [Altheo] (14 on the roll) [Narrator] You don't have any sense that she's not surprised. [Ninon] What did you want to know? [Altheo] Well, I suppose it would be too easy if you knew of anyone else that might be trying to get that necklace back? [Ninon] There *was* something weird...

• Ninon says, thinking aloud.

[Ninon] After I took it to Conquaine's place, while he was keeping it for a few days to, I don't know, check it was real or whatever, I got someone around here asking about it. [Altheo] really? Who? [Ninon] I mean, I'd mentioned to a few people that Grandmere was looking to sell the thing, you know, trying to figure out where we'd get the best price, so I guess I shouldn't have been [Ninon] surprised. [Ninon] I mean, I'd mentioned to a few people that Grandmere was looking to sell the thing, you know, trying to figure out where we'd get the best price, so I guess I shouldn't have been [Ninon] surprised. [Ninon] (sorry, keyboard went crazy) [Ninon] Anyway, a few days later, this old priest came here to ask about it. Walked up like he wasn't scared of anything, like he knew what he was doing. [Ninon] Old, I guess in his sixties, with grey hair. He was really tall and scrawny, like a beanpole. Order of the Wolf, if you believe the robes. [Ninon] He asks about the necklace, if it's still for sale. Now, he doesn't look like the kind of guy who'd wear a fancy stone like that, or have a sweetheart to give it to either, so I'm a bit suspicious why he's interested.

• Altheo listens carefully.

[Ninon] So he says it's not him who's interested, it's the Hush. [Ninon] I mean, he doesn't say he's *in* the Hush, they never say that, but that's the implication. [Narrator] Altheo, you would certainly know of the Hush - also called the Companions of Silence. They're an underworld organization, rumoured to be directed from high up in the government, who generally keep things running smoothly among the criminal gangs, cutting down on turf wars and that sort of thing.

• Seth nods as if he knows what that is.

[Altheo] Really. [Altheo] That surprises me a bit. [Ninon] Yeah, well, me too. [Ninon] I pay my dues to the Hush like everyone else. I don't get on their bad side. But I can't sell them a necklace I don't have, so I tell him it's already sold, or as good as. [Ninon] He offered to double whatever the other guy paid me. By then, I'm feeling real suspicious - okay, I'd like the coin, but this seems kind of crazy. I pull myself up and tell him no deal, and he goes away all pissy. [Ninon] You know anything about what's going on here? [Ninon] 'Cause now I'm worried the Hush are gonna come down on me and my girls like a ton of bricks. [Altheo] hmmm. [Altheo] What about your Grandmother? Can't she help you? [Ninon] Yeah, well, I don't go running to her with every little problem. If I knew what the void was going on here, then maybe she'd be able to do something.

• Altheo thinks carefully about how much he wants to tell this girl.

[Ninon] She never even liked the necklace anyway.

• Ninon grumbles.

[Altheo] Who gave it to her? [Ninon] She told me it was given to her by an old admirer, back when she was on the stage, but that it 'gave her the creeps' and so she stashed it away somewhere. [Altheo] After it was purchased Mr. Conquaine brougth it to the society for magical research. It appears it had properties that neither of us expected.

• Ninon listens.

[Altheo] Do you think your Grandmother suspected it was more than just a fancy necklace? [Ninon] Maybe.

• Ninon says with a shrug.

[Altheo] Well, If you don't know anything about the necklace, I doubt the Hush will cause you problems. [Ninon] Are they going to cause you problems? 'Cause you seem to know something about it. [Altheo] So Its probably for the best if I don't tell you anything more. [Altheo] I'm not sure yet. But if anyone else seems to be sniffing around, I'd like to hear about it. And in exchange, if you do run into any problems, I'd be willing to help. [Ninon] All right.

• Ninon smiles at that.\

[Altheo] (how old is she?)

• Altheo will rise to leave and offer to shake her hand.
• Ninon is maybe about 23-4 or so.
• Ninon will shake.
• Seth rises to leave as well, trying to hide his confusion.
• Altheo heads out with Seth.

[Narrator] All right - you guys can talk between yourselves if you wish, but I'm going on to the next scene... [Narrator] Which will involve my noble peeps :) [Narrator] The candidates, having done all they can to do persuade voters in one direction or another, have now, following a ceremonial procession through the streets of the city, retired into seclusion in the heavily-warded chambers beneath the Imperial Palace reserved for that purpose for many centuries. [Narrator] They will not emerge until three days have passed, by which point you will have (hopefully) chosen a new emperor. [Narrator] Rumours of what the candidates do during this period are often...colourful, though no doubt exaggerated. Formerly it was intended as a time for contemplation and purification before the test of the Arch; now, it is largely a formality, but it does have the benefit of preventing the candidates from directly interfering with the electoral process. [Narrator] In the meanwhile, the rest of the Great Council are at leisure, somewhat. There continue to be daily meetings and discussions at the palace, but many of the most important deals at this juncture take place behind closed doors, and some who have already made up their minds have retreated until the vote itself, presumably not wishing to be swayed from their choice. [Narrator] Guillame, you continue to be troubled by the attack on Aden Olivier. Although you answered the guards' questions to the best of your ability, you were not left with a feeling of great confidence that they would solve this crime, certainly not before the election the day after tomorrow. [Guillame] (Indeed) [Narrator] Given the nature of the attack, it seems likely it was not intended to be fatal - carried out in public, where onlookers could intervene, and not killing with a single blow, it seems to you more in the nature of a warning than an assassination attempt. [Narrator] Dark rumours have been spreading through the Great Council as to who may have been responsible. The primary target of these whispers is Marl Kizer, known to be a sorcerer of some power. [Narrator] (I suggest that maybe Guillame, Alma and Ilphere can talk about this - Dominik would also be there, as Ilphere's bodyguard ;) [Ilphere] Well I think it's ridiculous what they're saying about Marl.

• Dominik shrugs at the comment

[Alma] Is there any sort of indication it could be him, or is it simply a matter of him being a sorceror? [Guillame] I don't know him, but it seems like it would be pretty stupid for him to do it. [Ilphere] Precisely, he had nothing to gain! [Ilphere] He was already well ahead, and something like this only helps Aden. [Guillame] Unless he was just angry? I mean, some people really are that flaky...? [Ilphere] I don't think so.

• Ilphere says flatly.

[Alma] Has there been any talk of delaying the vote until more information is known? [Narrator] (no, there hasn't) [Guillame] I haven't heard any, and I'd be surprised to. [Ilphere] The Levellers could have engineered it for all we know, to gain sympathy. [Narrator] (Ilphere and Alma, can you make Spellcraft checks?) [Guillame] Whoever did it isn't going to gain sympathy. [Ilphere] I'll be glad when all this is over..! [Guillame] Me too, to be honest. [Ilphere] (11 :/) [Ilphere] (or 27 if I use rollbot :V) [Alma] (My character sheet isn't loading... I got 16+spellcraft) [Narrator] (heh - let's go with Rollbot ;) [Ilphere] (let's :V) [Alma] (23) [Narrator] You would both guess that, if this was a summoned creature, it would have to have been someone who was at the Council itself, given the short range and duration of such spells. [Narrator] Ilphere, you further believe that, with more information about the creature itself, it would be possible to better determine the likely strength of the caster. [Ilphere] Was anyone able to find out more about the creature itself...? [Ilphere] It is sort of my area of expertise. [Alma] Did Reverend Mother vak Andras say anything? [Guillame] Not about the thing, to me. I saw it as much as anyone did, though.

• Alma pulls out a copy of one of the broadsheets and flips through it.

[Ilphere] So...? [Alma] (She did, actually.) [Narrator] Ilphere, you can make a Knowledge: Planes check. [Guillame] It was human shaped, at least while it fell. Before that it was invisible, and attacked using the wind [Alma] (Well I guess not specifically, she said it could be an air elemental or a ... something else.) [Guillame] I felt the wind, but wasn't hurt - only Aden was. [Ilphere] (can I make some kind of roll based on that info?) [Narrator] (I just said you can make a K:planes check :) [Ilphere] (I'm blind) [Ilphere] (27) [Narrator] Okay, here is what you think, based on that description. Air elementals aren't completely invisible, they're sort of cloudy. On that basis alone, you doubt it was an air elemental. A better possibility is the invisible stalker. [Narrator] Which is, well, invisible, and attacks using air as its weapon. [Ilphere] Hmm... sounds like an invisible stalker. [Ilphere] An elemental has *some* visible manifestation, even an air elemental...! [Narrator] That would require a much more powerful caster to summon than a small elemental would. [Ilphere] They would have to be quite powerful... much more so than a summoner of a simple elemental...! [Guillame] I haven't heard of anyone like that in the Levellers... [Narrator] Unless Marl has been doing nothing but studying since he left the Castalia, you would be very surprised if he were personally powerful enough, Ilphere. [Alma] A sorceror so powerful could even be hidden himself, no? [Ilphere] Marl would not be at that level...

• Ilphere nods to Alma.

[Ilphere] I should say so... ! [Alma] It's almost pointless to guess at the members of the Council... [Ilphere] Although it was certainly someone who was here... they could well have been hidden, as you say... [Alma] I should donate some funds to the Castalia to put towards researching some sort of... investigative spell to trace the magic back to its source -_- [Narrator] Anyone who's got K:nobles can make a check. [Alma] (12) [Ilphere] (12) [Alma] Not that it will help today... [Narrator] The only other candidate you know who's directly connected to a powerful sorcerer is Fredericia Hartzell, whose great-aunt is Lyra Hartzell, the Chief Sorcerer. [Alma] .oO( I wouldn't entirely be surprised if a reactionary like her... no, stop that... )

• Alma sighs.
• Ilphere isn't going to say it...!

[Guillame] It's not worth distrusting everyone...

• Ilphere glances at Alma though to see if she's thinking it... (SM untrained :V)

[Ilphere] (20)

• Alma probably looks like she might have thought of something but dismissed it.
• Dominik quirks an eye at the pause in the conversation

[Ilphere] Anyway...!

• Guillame looks relieved
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[Alma] Have either of you made any decisions? [Ilphere] Well... I have been thinking carefully... Grand-Mère has given me a big responsibility...! [Ilphere] Have you, Countess? [Alma] I have not yet, no... though Marl Kizer seems like the wisest choice... [Guillame] It's probably obvious that I'm obliged to be in support of a reform for the whole process, which means supporting Aden at this point. [Ilphere] I think you may be right... [Ilphere] He is a very intelligent man.

• Alma nods, understandingly, at Guillame.

[Dominik] [m] or at least he appears to be

• Ilphere shoots a sharp look at Dominik.

[Guillame] Of course, my own opinion isn't entirely relevant [Alma] Have House Rat spoken to Kizer? Has he promised to have the Great Council decide your place in the cycle?

• Dominik looks questioningly at Ilphere

[Ilphere] This is my... cousin, Dominik Rademacher [Alma] Good day, M. Rademacher. [Alma] Do you have issue with M. Kizer?

• Dominik nods to the others
• Ilphere says almost apologetically, realizing she hasn't introduced him.

[Dominik] Dominik is fine for me. [Alma] Certainly, Dominik. [Dominik] I don't have issues with Marl, I just don't think all of his choices have been great, thats all. [Alma] Such as?

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[Dominik] lets just say he's typical nobility. [Alma] I'm sure I don't know what you mean. [Ilphere] Me neither...!

• Alma goes from looking interest to maybe a little vexed.
• Dominik sighs

[Dominik] I've never really had a conversation with Marl. I do know he was a good friend of my sisters, for a while. [Dominik] my sister has had quite a few good friends. [Dominik] Hence my concern about some of his choices. [Ilphere] ...!

• Ilphere blushes a little.

[Ilphere] Well, I know him from the Castalia and he's always been very gentlemanly to me...! [Narrator] Okay, we are now going to move on... you can continue talking elsewhere if you like, but I need to borrow Ilphere and Dominik :) [wererogue] He doesn't seem to be ready to run everything to me - although I suppose nobody is ever really ready to run an empire...

• wererogue is now known as Guillame

[Ilphere] He's more ready than Aden Olivier...

• Ilphere sniffs

[Dominik] are any of them really ready? [Alma] I believe that is probably true... M. Oliver is... perhaps mostly optimism. [Guillame] I think Aden has a better understanding of the people he'd be ruling, is all I'm saying. [Narrator] (just make sure to log wherever you decide to keep talking :) [Narrator] (Actually, I realize I need Sanadhil first - so we'll switch to him :) [Narrator] Sanadhil, you receive a note on the same expensive paper Phedre Lozada-Boyne used last time. It reads as follows: [Narrator] "If you are still curious, you are most welcome to join us this evening. Simply present this note to the doorman to be admitted. It is customary for our members to come masked, in order that they may preserve their privacy." [Narrator] The note concludes with directions to an address on Starcross Street, which is on the other side of the Down from your home.

• Sanadhil will need a prety convincing mask ;p

[Narrator] (one that covers your ears? ;)

• Sanadhil will send a note to illphere

[Sanadhil] (yeah, and dunno what to do with my hair either ;p) [Narrator] (okay - telling her to meet you somewhere?) [Narrator] (meet at the society, it'll save me trouble ;) [Sanadhil] (yeah, not the society though, maybe the castalaia somewhere quiet?) [Narrator] (aw, you're no fun ;) [Narrator] Okay, you can arrange to meet where you please. [Sanadhil] (cautious, I prefer ;) [Narrator] Ilphere, having received the note and departed the Great Council, you and your new bodyguard head for the designated meeting place, where you hope to meet Sanadhil and ditch Dominik ;) [Ilphere] (what did the note say?) [Sanadhil] 9That i have received word from the group we'd discussed, and i wantd to provide you with more details so we can prepare) [Ilphere] (k) [Ilphere] M. Orecalo is an intructor at the Castalia... he is working with me on some sensitive research.

• Ilphere explains on the way.
• Dominik nods
• Dominik lets Ilphere lead the way

[Dominik] sensitive in what way? [Ilphere] We are hoping to conduct some interviews to gather data on certain obscure superstitious practices... [Ilphere] It has been difficult to convince them to speak to us. [Ilphere] I am hoping this means he has obtained an agreement...! [Dominik] good for you [Ilphere] But... I don't think they will be pleased if we bring an extra person... !

• Ilphere wrings her hands worriedly
• Dominik eyes narrow

[Dominik] I thought we talked about this. [Ilphere] Listen... I will be perfectly safe with M. Orecalo...! It would be just the same as if you were there... [Dominik] who are these people? [Ilphere] They have some alternate religious beliefs, that's all...

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[Ilphere] I'm sure you would not find it very interesting... it will be a lot of asking them how their grandmother practiced things... [Dominik] Fine, I will accompany you to your meeting, but wait outside. [Ilphere] You might be more comfortable waiting at the Society...

• Ilphere suggests helpfully
• Dominik sighs

[Dominik] This isn't going to work [Ilphere] M. Orecalo is very responsible...! :( [Ilphere] He's an elf... [Ilphere] Ah, I mean, Cozovode. [Dominik] Fine, I'll wait at the society so you can go off to your "meeting" with the Cozovode. [Dominik] so you can talk about your ancient religions. [Ilphere] If I had known earlier that Mother was bringing you here I could have arranged something else... I really didn't plan it to try and 'ditch' you, as you say... [Ilphere] :/ [Dominik] You will owe me. You understand?

• Ilphere will take her victory, however slim.
• Ilphere nods.

[Ilphere] Oh, thank you... I won't forget...! [Narrator] All right, you drop Dominik off at the Society - fortunately, Ysabeau is there to keep him entertained - and go to meet Sanadhil. [Dominik] Try not to [Narrator] (Dom and Ysabeau can chat in another channel if they wish, while I'm busy with San and Ilphere) [Ilphere] (brb bio please :V) [Ilphere] (back) [Narrator] (Okay, so you arrive, unencumbered, at your meeting with Sanadhil)

• Sanadhil stands as you arrive

[Sanadhil] Good to see you, miss de Quessennet [Ilphere] M. Orecalo! [Ilphere] I was glad to get your message...!

• Sanadhil smiles

[Sanadhil] I can see! [Sanadhil] I received a message this morning [Ilphere] What did they say? [Sanadhil] I believe it should be fine to bring you along - it is fairly inspecific

• Sanadhil shows you the note
• Ilphere scans it.

[Ilphere] Oh my, masks...! [Sanadhil] indeed [Sanadhil] probably for the best [Sanadhil] I still need to acquire something for myself - i can find one for you as wel, if you like [Ilphere] Alright...

• Sanadhil nods

[Ilphere] Thank you!

• Sanadhil seems ahestitant still

[Sanadhil] What do you kow of the order? [Sanadhil] Other than their fascination with the Arch? [Ilphere] Well, I know what most do... that they worship and apparently are trying to evoke whatever used to power the Arch... and that people say they are depraved and debaucherous and so on...

• Ilphere blushes a little.

[Sanadhil] They are. [Sanadhil] it's true. [Ilphere] Have you seen them... doing things...? :o

• Ilphere furrows her brow slightly.

[Sanadhil] I have seen evidence of their activities, yes. [Sanadhil] I want you to be aware... In case you change your mind [Ilphere] ... [Ilphere] No, this research is too important.

• Sanadhil nods

[Narrator] (All right, I'll presume you can secure whatever things you need to take with you, and make your way there after sunset.) [Sanadhil] I am hoping that with the masks, it will be easy to chose our own level of participation

• Ilphere nods.

[Sanadhil] (yarr) [Narrator] The address on Starcross Street you were given brings you to a plain but well-maintained brick home, just like many others on the street - you might guess it a merchant's residence, perhaps, if you were to walk by it under normal circumstances. [Narrator] As you approach, a carriage draws up and two passengers disembark. Both are masked, and wear long dark cloaks that conceal their forms, but you think they are both female, and fairly young, as you hear one of them giggle. [Narrator] They approach and knock at the door, which opens to let them enter. [Sanadhil] (Do I know who lives here or works her normally?)

• Ilphere has brought a riding cloak from home as well as the mask Sanadhil procured for her.
• Sanadhil has nice taste at least!

[Narrator] (no, it's just a nondescript house - you never really paid attention) [Sanadhil] (okay)

• Sanadhil 's mask wraps around to cover most of his head, and he wears a hooded cloak as well

[Narrator] Following them, you present your note and are admitted into a narrow corridor. All of the doors leading off it are closed, so you don't get a look at the rest of the house, but from the hallway, it seems quite plain and simple - a worn carpet, a few nondescript prints of landscapes and flowers hanging from the walls.

• Ilphere keeps her hood up as well.

[Narrator] The footman - masked as well - takes your cloaks (unless you're keeping them) and escorts you to a narrow staircase at the end of the hall and gestures to suggest you go up.

• Sanadhil keeps his, for now at least
• Sanadhil heads up
• Ilphere will keep hers as well, then, taking cues from San.
• Sanadhil will offer Ilphère his arm
• Ilphere takes it gratefully.

[Narrator] The upstairs, rather than being divided into bedrooms and parlours, is one large chamber. The walls are black and traced with strange geometric patterns and designs in silver. The ceiling is decorated with inset stars, perhaps crystal of some sort, that reflect the light strangely. [Narrator] The room has plush rugs and several low couches strewn with cushions, but most of the guests - about twenty-five or so in number - are standing, talking quietly amongst themselves. [Narrator] They are all masked in order to conceal the upper halves of their faces, and dressed in simple, loose-fitting garments rather than the ornate finery of the upper crust. Most appear to be fairly young - you see no grey heads among their number.

• Ilphere takes note of the designs... do they signify anything that I can puzzle out?

[Narrator] (make a K:arcane rolle)

• Sanadhil would like to se if the patterns mean anything and if the tars mirror any real consterllations, which ones, and if they mean anything

[Narrator] (Ok, astronomy, I guess) [Ilphere] (15 :/) [Narrator] (You don't recognize anything about them that means anything to you - you can try to remember them to look them up later, perhaps.) [Ilphere] (I will make an effort to do so) [Sanadhil] (22 on Arcana, 7 on astrology - rolled a 1) [Narrator] (You don't think the patterns on the walls mean anything - just look 'occult'. The stars, you're not at all sure about.)

• Sanadhil will use a destiny to reroll on astrology though, what the hell :V

[Narrator] ('k) [Sanadhil] (14 :p) [Narrator] (They are roughly like real constellations, though not completely accurate.)

• Sanadhil will make not to look them up later, just in case

[Narrator] The last to enter the room is Phedre herself, escorted by her husband. Neither of them wears a mask. She wears a simple black robe, and about her neck is a pendant, silver with a flat black stone at its centre. [Narrator] (Definitely not a sapphire, btw.)

• Ilphere looks around on the off chance she recognizes anyone by their hair...

[Sanadhil] (okay, good to know)

• Ninon is now known as Phedre

[Ilphere] (is it the one I saw in the society?) [Narrator] (the necklace?) [Ilphere] (OK no then) [Narrator] (yeah, no :) [Narrator] Ilphere, you do believe you recognize one of the men there, though he's masked. His hair is a striking mop of red-gold curls, and he bears a strong resemblance to Dominik's brother Theron Rademacher. [Sanadhil] . o ( well, that's reassuring at least ) [Ilphere] . o O ( :o )

• Phedre approaches you, smiling.

[Phedre] I'm so pleased you decided to join us this evening. And you've brought a friend, how lovely.

• Phedre does not ask your name.

[Sanadhil] I hope that's no trouble [Phedre] Not at all.

• Sanadhil Sm's her

[Phedre] (to try to figure out what?)

• Ilphere smiles (hopefully) inscrutably, and keeps quiet.

[Sanadhil] (gauge her reaction to Ilphere's presence?) [Narrator] (sure, roll away :) [Sanadhil] (16)

• Phedre seems indifferent-to-pleased.

[Sanadhil] (keen) [Sanadhil] What should we be expecting, then? [Phedre] Please, know that whatever you may see here tonight, no one is being harmed. Everyone is here of their own free will, and everyone will leave safely when the ceremony is concluded. [Phedre] I do ask that you not interrupt the ritual, of course. You may not wish to participate fully at this time, but if that's the case, please just step aside and remain quiet. [Sanadhil] of course

• Ilphere nods...
• Ilphere is sooo excited to see what will happen, but tries to contain herself.

[Phedre] Thank you for coming - hopefully we will get a chance to speak again later. [Sanadhil] I hope so

• Sanadhil smiles
• Ilphere smiles again as well.

[Narrator] The group gathers into a circle, subtly ushered into formation by Earric. Phedre takes up her place at the centre of the ring. [Phedre] Welcome, friends. [Narrator] (Are you joining in the circle?) [Sanadhil] (sure, for now)

• Ilphere watches Earric especially, after what San said about him before.

[Ilphere] (yeah) [Phedre] We who gather here venerate our own strength, our own minds, our own bodies. We refuse to be bound by the ropes of priest-law, or the dictates of the cold, indifferent stars. We are here to strip away the bonds of convention, and to embrace life in all its fullness!

• Phedre begins to chant softly, while Earric plays a hand-held drum and another man plays a reed flute with a high, haunting sound.

[Narrator] Ilphere, you recognize the language she sings in as Abyssal. She invokes the Lord of the Abyss, Filler of the Void, to bless and protect his followers, to watch over them and spare them from his wrath, and permit them to do his bidding. [Ilphere] (do her words mean anything in any language I know?) [Ilphere] (cool) [Narrator] Make a Will save. [DC 18, San gets +2] [Ilphere] (21) [Sanadhil] (22) [Narrator] Okay - you don't notice any change, except that the other members appear to be enthralled by what is going on. [Sanadhil] (could I get a spellcraft or anyhting similar to recognize that there is some kind of effect at work?) [Ilphere] (can I make a spellcraft roll to figure out what happened?) [Narrator] (sure, you can make sp checks) [Sanadhil] (9 :p) [Ilphere] (29, natural 20) [Narrator] (Ilphere - perhaps it is a bardic magic effect to enthrall the listeners. San, you have no idea ;) [Phedre] Ophion! Ophion! Ophion! Lead us to your truth! Soul of the Seven, Seer of the Hidden Paths, help us shatter the ties that bind us, that we may know the truth! [Phedre] To each of our brothers and sisters, even those who cannot be here tonight, grant strength, courage, and good fortune! [Narrator] The chanting continues, growing faster and more powerful, and other members join in, some swaying back and forth or falling to their knees in ecstasy. The tight circle begins to break down as people move more freely around the room. [Ilphere] (Ophion? Does that name mean anything to me?) [Sanadhil] (yarr - is she still chanting in Abyssal?) [Narrator] (K: arcane, I guess would be best) [Narrator] (No, that part was in Common) [Ilphere] (26) [Sanadhil] (man my rolls ae ass tonight - ahh well, that's why i brought ilphere ;) [Narrator] In Archaic Aveyronnais, it means 'Serpent'. You don't know of any being or entity by that name, however. [Narrator] Some dance in meandering patterns, seemingly mesmerised by the shadows they cast or simply by the rhythm of the drum. [Narrator] One young woman strips off her loose tunic, to cries of approval and admiration, and soon other members begin to follow suit. [Ilphere] (I assume she's naked :V) [Narrator] (yes) [Narrator] Sanadhil, a woman sidles up to you. She seems quite young, at first glance, because she's very short and slender, but you think she may be past thirty. Masses of red curls hang loose around her masked face.

• Phedre is now known as Woman
• Ilphere keeps her eyes peeled for any evidence of actual magical/extraplanar activity other than the entrancement effect, but feels she may be disappointed.

[Woman] Here... [Ilphere] . o O ( I need to see one of the rites on the Down...! )

• Woman offers you a small glass vial that contains what looks like shimmering blue-white sand.

[Sanadhil] ...

• Sanadhil takes the vial

[Sanadhil] what...

• Woman chuckles.

[Woman] Vodare. You sniff it, like this.

• Woman holds a similar, though empty, vial to her nose and inhales sharply.

[Woman] You'll like it... ;) [Sanadhil] (have I ever heard of this Before?) [Narrator] (uh... got Alchemy?) [Ilphere] (Does it look like Phedre or Earric are on drugs?) [Sanadhil] (no) [Narrator] (Then no, and no to Ilphere's question too - they look pretty with it still.)

• Sanadhil glances at ilphere

[Woman] I have enough for your friend too, if you'd care to join me...

• Woman says with a tantalizing smile.
• Ilphere sways to the drums and tries to look like she fits in

[Sanadhil] I think she's found distraction enough

• Woman laughs.
• Sanadhil smiles

[Woman] Then just you :)

• Woman lays a hand on your arm.

[Sanadhil] ...why not?

• Sanadhil will see if he can fake taking the drugs for now, and pocket the vial for investigation later on

[Ilphere] . o O ( M. Orecalo! :o ) [Sanadhil] (slight of hand?) [Narrator] (Make a check, then...) [Sanadhil] (10... mayeb she's high enough not to notice :V)

• Woman doesn't seem to notice you palm the vial and pretend to ingest it.

[Sanadhil] (keen)

• Woman will try to kiss you, unless you're resisting ;)

[Sanadhil] (nah, kising i can handle ;) [Narrator] Well, other couples are doing considerably more... One pair have begun to copulate on the floor in full view of everyone. Soon another pair, this time both female, join them.

• Sanadhil is nervous but tries to cover it

[Narrator] A young man approaches you, Ilphere.

• NPC2 is now known as Man
• Man might be in his mid-twenties or so, tall and stocky, with short, wavy brown hair. His face is obscured by a mask, and his shirt has been discarded somewhere along the way.

[Ilphere] (not familiar then...?) [Man] (you don't recognize him) [Man] You're so beautiful...

• Man says, voice slightly slurred as if intoxicated. He reaches out to touch your face.

[Ilphere] ...

• Ilphere freezes
• Sanadhil tries to get not so involved with this lady as to abandon Ilphere completely, but I'll leave that up to J
• Woman will keep making out with you, unless you try to disentangle yourself.
• Ilphere musters a smile

[Man] Come, lie with me :)

• Man says in a friendly fashion.
• Sanadhil will have semi-distracted makeouts until he can see how Ilphere is dealing with this dude

[Ilphere] I... It's my first time here... I am just watching for now...

• Man chuckles.

[Man] All right - watch all you want, beauty :) [Narrator] Someone else has taken over the drum, you notice at some point, and Earric and Phedre are circulating around the chamber, talking briefly with one member or another, stopping to embrace or dance, either with each other or with their other companions from time to time.

• Ilphere smiles genuinely, relieved.
• Ilphere resumes swaying, dancing to the rhythms, surreptitiously watching the two leaders.
• Woman is now known as Phedre
• Man is now known as Earric
• Earric locks his gaze with yours, Ilphere, and smiles, drawing closer.
• Phedre accompanies him.
• Ilphere returns the smile.

[Earric] I hope you're enjoying yourself. [Ilphere] Yes... it is fascinating...

• Earric nods, smiling.

[Earric] This is really only the beginning. [Earric] Kiss me.

• Earric suggests.

[Narrator] (Will save) [Ilphere] (20) [Narrator] (okay, you make it - it's up to you if you want to kiss him or not) [Ilphere] (well Sanadhil did it and so can I ]:|)

• Ilphere hesitates briefly but will go for it
• Earric 's kiss is strong and passionate. His arms coil around your back, holding you tight. You feel strangely free and light-headed, unfamiliar sensations coursing through you.

[Ilphere] ... [Narrator] Another Will save, please. [Ilphere] (15)

• Phedre stands behind you, half-embracing and half-supporting you.
• Ilphere isn't sure what is going on...

[Sanadhil] ... [Narrator] You taste blood in your mouth, Ilphere, but you feel no pain. [Ilphere] ...? [Narrator] You feel... strange. It's difficult to describe. You feel... very close to Earric.

• Ilphere tries to pull away.
• Earric won't hold you if you try to pull away.

[Earric] Thank you, Ilphere. [Ilphere] What...? [Narrator] (you don't remember telling him your name...) [Ilphere] What happened? [Ilphere] (Can I get any kind of roll to figure out what he just did to me and what he might be? :o) [Narrator] (hm... a K: arcane check, I guess) [Ilphere] (21) [Narrator] (No idea - *something* just happened, but you're not sure what) [Ilphere] e [Ilphere] (ww) [Earric] Perhaps you're just feeling things you're not accustomed to.

• Earric suggests.

[Ilphere] Perhaps... [Ilphere] Yes, I guess so... [Phedre] We should make sure to greet all our new guests, love.

• Phedre reminds him.

[Earric] Of course. [Earric] I'll see you again soon, I hope.

• Ilphere nods slowly...
• Earric and Phedre will move over to where Sanadhil and his make-out partner are.
• Sanadhil is kind of keepin an eye out
• Phedre and Earric will basically insinuate themselves into the cuddle puddle, unless you move away.
• Sanadhil will not immediately, anyway
• Earric will move to kiss you, in between the chicks trying to kiss you.
• Sanadhil is somewhat hesitant :x

[Earric] Kiss me...

• Earric suggests

[Narrator] (Will save!) [Narrator] (but you get +2 to it) [Sanadhil] (13 :p) [Narrator] It seems very reasonable to kiss him. What harm could it do? [Sanadhil] (I suppose!)

• Earric kisses you deeply, his tongue pressing into your mouth.

[Narrator] (Will save!) [Sanadhil] (14) [Narrator] You feel strange - you taste blood, as though you'd bitten your tongue, but feel no pain. [Narrator] You feel a strange bond with Earric. [Phedre] Has this been as enlightening as you'd hoped?

• Phedre whispers in your ear.

[Sanadhil] (during the kiss?) [Sanadhil] (or after?) [Narrator] (well, he's still right there, but hasn't got his tongue down your throat atm( [Sanadhil] ....what are you? [Narrator] (which one of them are you asking?)

• Sanadhil asks mostly to Earric

[Earric] I'm your master.

• Earric says with a smile.

[Sanadhil] No. [Earric] It's worth it, believe me. [Earric] There is so much more to it than this - you're clever, not like the others - you'll understand all, in time.

• Ilphere drifts over to where Sanadhil is talking to the leaders.

[Sanadhil] What do you want? [Earric] In time - you have so much time to learn. Be patient ;) [Sanadhil] ... [Sanadhil] for now... [Narrator] The rest of the evening passes in something of a blur. Finally, at the sound of a gong, people begin to dress and drift away. Sanadhil and Ilphere can talk on their way home, if you wish, but I have to go on :) [Sanadhil] (pick a channel, sas?)